By the time the train started he had laid in a large quantity of magazines and newspapers for the girl, and took his seat in a first-class carriage along with her. There was an old gentleman in the compartment, but they did not pay much attention to him. Nor did they read the magazines. In each other's conversation they found quite enough pleasure. After discussing Billy and the Arrow family and the departure of Natty for the States, Natty announced that he was going down to Wargrove to see Jarman. "I want to say good-bye," said he, "and there are other things I have to do. Deliver a letter, for one thing." "To Mr. Jarman?" "To Miss Starth. And it's from Miss Berry. You've heard me speak of my friends, I guess?" "Oh, yes--your most intimate friends." "Well," drawled Natty, flushing, "they were, but they ain't now. I've had a row. Berry hasn't been acting square by me, and I don't cotton to his goings-on nohow. I'll give them a wide berth for the future." Jenny observed a discreet silence, as she did not want to ask questions about business which did not concern her. Natty was offended. "Guess you don't care much for me?" said he, with a shrug. "Oh, but I--" Jenny was about to say that she did, and only changed the sentence in time. "But I like you, really." "I'm going to stop for a few days, and we can talk of that," said Natty, looking peculiarly at her. "I suppose Jarman will put me up?" "Oh, I'm sure he will," said Jenny. "Mr. Jarman likes you. He's rather troubled now on account of Mr. O'Neil leaving him." "What's he gone for?" "I don't know. I think he left without giving notice," said Jenny. "I don't know that he ain't wise, that young man," said Natty, in a dry tone. "The billet didn't suit him." "He seemed very comfortable!" "What folk seem, ain't often what they feel," rejoined the American, and again fixed Jenny with his eyes. "Now, you'd never think that in your company I feel different to what I say." "Really?" Jenny did not know where to look, and was thankful that the old gentleman was in the carriage. She felt that Natty was in measurable distance of a proposal, and the timidity of maidenhood seized upon her. Consequently she became voluble, and drew Denham's attention to the scenery, to the pictures in the magazines, and to the news of the day. Natty, not accustomed to this innocence, was delighted, and thought Jenny just charming. He made up his mind to propose within the week, being used to carry through business smartly.